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  • Emily Wilson
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Keep Summer Going With This Tequila Sunrise Recipe

As colourful as it is delicious, the tequila sunrise is a classic cocktail that’s fruity and fun. Originating from California, the tequila sunrise is a popular summer drink known for its vibrant layers and juicy taste. 

What’s In A Tequila Sunrise? 

Tequila may be in the name of this trendy beverage, but it’s the Triple Sec and orange juice that give it its distinctive, citrusy flavour. There’s an art to pouring the perfect tequila sunrise, and that’s down to the layer of grenadine used to create the “sunrise” effect at the bottom of the cocktail. Here’s how to master it. 

How To Make A Tequila Sunrise 

Unlike many cocktails which require a final stir to combine each element, a tequila sunrise is left unmixed to present its stunning hues of summer. Here’s how to make this fruity concoction. 

Equipment Needed: 

Ingredients Needed: 

  • 2 tsp grenadine 
  • Ice cubes 
  • 50ml tequila 
  • 1 tbsp triple sec (or an alternative orange-flavoured liqueur)
  • Juice of 1 large orange 
  • Juice of ½ a lemon 
  • 1 cocktail cherry 

Method: 

  1. First, pour the grenadine into the base of a tall hiball glass, and set aside. 
  2. Next, fill the cocktail shaker with the ice cubes, and add the tequila, triple sec, orange juice and lemon juice – shake well.
  3. Carefully add a couple of ice cubes to the glass, and use the strainer to carefully strain the cocktail into it – do this very gently so that you move the grenadine layer as little as possible. 
  4. Add more ice if necessary, before piercing the cherry with a cocktail umbrella and placing as a garnish on top. 
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy. 

Alternative Sunrise Recipes 

If you fancy a change from this colourful classic, why not take a look at our alternative sunrise recipe – ideal for enjoying no matter the weather! 

Sherbet Vodka Sunrise 

For a fizzy twist on a firm favourite, you have to give our sherbet vodka sunrise a go. Made with vodka instead of tequila, this stunning creation includes citric syrup to create a sweet sherbet finish.  

Equipment Needed: 

  • Tall hiball tumbler
  • Cocktail shaker 
  • Cocktail strainer

Ingredients Needed:

  • 30ml vodka 
  • 50ml cranberry juice 
  • 15ml citric syrup 
  • Ice cubes 
  • 15ml peach schnapps 
  • 50ml fresh orange juice 
  • Strawberry to garnish 

Method: 

  1. Pour the vodka, cranberry juice and citric syrup into a cocktail shaker and add ice, before shaking well (approximately for 10 – 12 seconds).
  2. Strain into an ice filled hiball glass, and set aside. 
  3. Next, pour both the peach schnapps and fresh orange juice into the cocktail shaker, and shake well again. 
  4. Strain into the glass gently, being careful not to disturb the first layer too much. 
  5. Add a strawberry on the side of the glass to garnish, and serve immediately. 

Sunrise cocktails are a fun way to enjoy fruity flavours in a long drink. Despite the strong spirits included within the recipes, they’re a juicy and sweet cocktail, with the alcohol flavours dialled down.